Easy Orange Cake with 2 Oranges – Soft, Moist & Ready in Minutes

Do you have 2 oranges at home? Then you can make this incredibly soft and moist orange cake with just a few simple ingredients.

This easy Orange Cake with 2 Oranges is full of fresh citrus flavor, wonderfully tender, and so soft that it almost melts in your mouth. Fresh orange zest and juice give the cake a bright aroma and natural sweetness, while vegetable oil helps keep the crumb moist and light.

 

The batter takes only about 5 minutes to prepare, making this a perfect recipe for busy days, afternoon tea, family gatherings, or whenever you want a quick homemade cake without complicated steps.

Finished with a layer of flaked almonds, this simple orange cake looks beautiful and tastes even better.

 

Ingredients

For the Orange Cake

• 3 eggs
• A pinch of salt
• 150 g sugar (¾ cup)
• A little vanilla
• 120 ml vegetable oil (½ cup)
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 2 oranges
• 150 ml orange juice (⅔ cup)
• 300 g plain flour (2⅓ cups)
• 15 g baking powder

For the Topping

• Flaked almonds, as needed

 

How to Make Orange Cake with 2 Oranges

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).

Prepare a 27 × 18 cm (10 × 7 inch) baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with baking paper.

Set it aside while you prepare the batter.

2. Beat the Eggs and Sugar

Crack 3 eggs into a large mixing bowl.

Add a pinch of salt, 150 g (¾ cup) sugar, and a little vanilla.

Whisk until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and slightly lighter in color.

 

3. Add the Oil

Pour in 120 ml (½ cup) vegetable oil.

Whisk again until the oil is completely incorporated.

The oil helps keep the finished cake soft and moist even after it has cooled.

4. Add the Orange Zest and Juice

Finely grate the zest of one orange and add it to the mixture.

Next, squeeze the oranges and add 150 ml (⅔ cup) fresh orange juice, using the juice from approximately 2 oranges.

Mix until everything is evenly combined.

For the best flavor, grate only the bright outer orange peel and avoid the bitter white pith underneath.

 

5. Add the Flour and Baking Powder

Add 300 g (2⅓ cups) plain flour and 15 g baking powder.

Gently mix until the batter becomes smooth and there are no visible streaks of dry flour.

Avoid overmixing, as this can make the finished cake denser.

6. Transfer the Batter to the Baking Dish

Pour the batter into the prepared 27 × 18 cm baking dish.

Spread it evenly with a spatula so the cake bakes uniformly.

7. Add the Flaked Almonds

Sprinkle flaked almonds evenly over the top of the batter.

The almonds will lightly toast in the oven and add a delicate crunch to the soft orange cake.

 

8. Bake

Place the cake in the preheated oven.

Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes, or until the cake is risen, lightly golden, and baked through in the center.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into the center. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

Because ovens can vary, start checking the cake around the 35-minute mark.

9. Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the baking dish.

Once cooled enough to handle, cut it into squares or rectangular slices and serve.

Enjoy it slightly warm or completely cooled.

 

Tips for the Best Orange Cake

Use fresh oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh zest give the cake the best citrus flavor.

Zest before juicing: It is much easier to zest a whole orange before cutting and squeezing it.

Avoid the white pith: Only grate the orange-colored outer layer of the peel, as the white part can taste bitter.

Do not overmix: Once the flour is added, mix only until everything is combined.

Watch the almonds: If the almonds begin browning too quickly, loosely cover the top of the cake near the end of baking.

Check before removing from the oven: Use a toothpick to confirm that the center is fully baked.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This orange cake is simple, quick, and packed with fresh citrus flavor.

The batter takes only about 5 minutes to prepare, and you only need basic everyday ingredients. Fresh orange juice adds moisture, orange zest provides a fragrant citrus aroma, and vegetable oil helps create a beautifully tender crumb.

The flaked almonds add just enough texture to make the cake feel a little more special without requiring complicated frosting or decoration.

 

Serving Suggestions

This soft orange cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Freshly brewed coffee
• Black or herbal tea
• A cold glass of milk
• Fresh orange slices
• Plain or Greek yogurt
• Whipped cream
• A light dusting of powdered sugar

It works well as a breakfast cake, afternoon snack, family dessert, or easy treat for guests.

 

How to Store Orange Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.

Keep leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1–2 days.

For longer storage, keep the cake covered in the refrigerator.

If refrigerated, allow the slices to come closer to room temperature before serving for a softer texture and stronger orange aroma.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many oranges do I need?

You need the zest of 1 orange and 150 ml (⅔ cup) orange juice, which can usually be obtained from about 2 oranges depending on their size and juiciness.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended because it provides the best flavor and aroma.

Why is vegetable oil used?

Vegetable oil helps keep the cake soft and moist and gives it a tender crumb.

Can I leave out the flaked almonds?

Yes. The almonds are optional and are mainly used for extra texture and appearance.

Why should I avoid overmixing?

Overmixing after adding flour can develop too much gluten, which may result in a denser cake.

How do I know when the cake is ready?

The cake should be lightly golden and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

 

Final Thoughts

This Easy Orange Cake with 2 Oranges is a simple homemade cake with a fresh citrus flavor, soft texture, and beautifully moist crumb.

With only about 5 minutes of preparation, everyday ingredients, and no complicated technique, it is a perfect recipe for quick baking.

Bake it at 175°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes, let it cool slightly, and enjoy a delicious slice with coffee or tea.